Because of her experience, Hanscom is seeking to change how educators view physical movement. She champions children's need to move a lot throughout each day in order to learn well. On her recent visit to a middle school as a "student," she didn't even last past lunch:

There is no way I could tolerate six hours of sitting even just one day, never mind every day—day after day. How on Earth do these children tolerate sitting this long? Well, the short answer is they don't. Their bodies aren't designed for extended periods of sitting.

Children learn better when they can move

School teachers usually have their hands tied here. Many middle schools no longer have recess. Even some elementary schools have shortened recess to a mere 15 minutes a day. And teachers don’t have the space in their classrooms to let students move.

When you homeschool, you can let your children move. Your children don’t have to sit still at a desk. You can:

let your children sit however they want (or even hang upside down) as they listen.

let them run outside or do headstands in the basement.

let them wiggle as they read, and take a break when they need.

let your active young students jump on a mini-trampoline while reciting math facts or sit on bouncy balls while they learn.

let them enjoy unstructured play time.

let them squish play dough or silly putty during school.

Why? As Hanscom writes elsewhere, students today are growing up without the crucial sensory input they once got from hours of rambunctious play each day. This is not just a physical problem—it causes problems for learning and sensory integration as well.

Homeschooling allows children freedom for physical movement

Even as homeschooling lets children get the sleep they need, homeschooling can let children get the movement they need. Children’s brains need adequate sleep. Children’s brains also need the body to move. These are non-negotiable for their optimal development.

Ready to explore an educational option that will allow your children to move? Go to SmoothCourse and get started today.

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5 Responses to Physical Movement: Another Reason to Homeschool

I read Angela's article and it made me look at my own homeschool. I applied some of her ideas to my class of littles. We needed a change, we were desparate for it. We enjoyed interacting at the beginning of our reading time and having student led discussion, which were both discussed in Hanscom's article. I was also reminded why I am so thankful we school at home. We have a much shorter day and my high schoolers start much later in the morning. I remember yawning my way through the first two hours of public school every day. Letting my older kids start later gives me time with the littles, time to wiggle, time to read and respond.

Thanks for sharing this Luke, and reminding myself as a parent that play matters. I forget it's value when "I" have a lot to get done, but raising a human requires so much more than knowledge, doesn't it.

Thanks for reading, Amber. I’m am so grateful you can adjust your schedule to fit your family, with time for your older kids to get enough sleep and your little ones to wiggle. I agree – raising a human requires so much more than knowledge! God bless you as you serve your family.

This is a great article. I still cringe when I think back on my school years as a child. Pure torture and I'm so thankful it's over. I've been homeschooling for over 25 years and still am and I'm so glad we do. I feel for children who are called on to endure such endless hours of torment. My children are so free and lively. So not like I was growing up. Thanks for sharing this.